Condemning India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty earlier this year, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday warned that Delhi’s weaponizing of water resources poses a threat to Pakistan’s food and economic security, with the potential to “trigger a severe humanitarian crisis.”
Addressing foreign diplomats in Islamabad, Dar—who also serves as the deputy prime minister—referred to Delhi’s recent manipulation of water flows as a direct threat. “Indian manipulation of water at critical time of our agriculture cycle directly threatens the lives and livelihoods as well as food and economic security of our citizens,” Dar said.
“The Indus Water Treaty is a cornerstone for peace and stability in South Asia,” he stressed, noting India has halted the exchange of hydrological data and disrupted the joint monitoring mechanism agreed upon under the treaty, further escalating tensions. A day earlier, the Foreign Office had similarly said Pakistan has sought a response from India over its continued and abrupt variations of the flow of River Chenab after Dec. 7.
Noting that millions of people in Pakistan rely on Chenab for agriculture, water, sanitation, and healthy ecosystems, Dar said India’s actions were undermining their rights to work, livelihood, water, food, and an adequate standard of living. “On the one hand, it [treaty suspension] threatens the inviolability of international treaties, and on the other, it poses serious risks to regional peace and security, as well as principles of good neighborhood and norms that govern interstate relations,” he added.
The minister recalled that the Permanent Court of Arbitration had reaffirmed the continuing validity of the Indus Water Treaty in its June and August 2025 rulings. He recalled the court ruled that the treaty and its dispute resolution mechanism remain binding on both parties and made clear that India cannot claim immunity from its provisions. He emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to resolving all disputes with India peacefully, but maintained Islamabad would not compromise on the water rights essential to its citizens.
Dar urged the international community, particularly members of the U.N. Security Council, to take immediate action to address the situation and prevent further escalation.